Vestibular Audiology

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Explain the principles underpinning the main vestibular assessment and treatment methods, their clinical application and the desirable features of clinical studies providing evidence of their effectiveness
• Explain the normal anatomy and physiology of the peripheral vestibular system and its association with the motor 'outputs' with emphasis on the vestibulo-ocular reflex
• Explain the pathophysiological processes, differential diagnosis and psychosocial impacts in the context of the ICF involved with acute and chronic unilateral peripheral hypofunction (from various causes and including mechanisms of recovery), BPPV (with emphasis on posterior canalithiasis), Meniere's disease, vestibular migraine, persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, and fistula/dehiscence.
• Critically evaluate information, including from the research literature, on aspects of vestibular audiology
• Demonstrate mastery of effective self-directed learning and scientific communication

Tutorials and associated pre-recorded lectures and tasks cover:

> Anatomy and physiology

• The vestibular, balance and associated visual systems
• The vestibular ocular reflex and nystagmus
• Mechanisms of recovery

> Vestibular disorders and differential diagnosis (introduction to epidemiology, pathophysiology, ICVD diagnostic criteria, assessment and treatment)

• Acute and chronic unilateral hypofunction/vestibulopathy
• BPPV
• Vestibular migraine (VM)
• Meniere's disease (MD)
• Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
• Semi-circular canal fistula and dehiscence
• Awareness of various other causes of dizziness (including bilateral hypofunction and presbyvestibulopathy)

> Assessment techniques

• Observation and interview
• Bedside testing including of the vestibular ocular and spinal reflexes
• Measurement of eye movements (VNG and ENG) and ocular motor testing
• Caloric testing
• vHIT

> Impact and management

• ICF and core sets for dizziness
• Impact of vestibular disorders on life
• Vestibular rehabilitation

Practical/demo sessions cover:

> From the bedside

• Observation, interview and eye examination
• Head impulse test and postural examination
• BPPV testing and particle re-positioning manoeuvres

> Testing

• VNG and ocular motor tests
• Caloric test
• vHIT
• BPPV revisited
• VEMPs

> Vestibular rehabilitation

The scheduled sessions consist of:

• 8 double lecture sessions introducing various topics (the first and second thirds of the module)
• 4 double seminar sessions with in-depth case studies (the final third of the module)
• 4 single tutorial sessions discussing quizzes and formative assignment questions (which you will be set in advance) (distributed during the first and second thirds of the module)
• 3 whole-afternoon demonstration sessions (distributed throughout the module)

There will also be some pre-recorded videos covering certain topics in greater depth for those interested or doing vestibular projects. There will also be several drop-in Q&A sessions with the module lead.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.